The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

by Audrey and Don Wood (1984)

I enjoyed this story, as you play the role of the narrator talking to the little mouse; it is an interesting perspective to be in and forces the reader to participate in the story. The reactions of the mouse to your narration adds to this effect. The way the story is written leaves it a little open for interpretation. Personally, I like to believe that (you) the narrator are the big hungry bear, and cleverly trick the mouse into sharing is nice red ripe strawberry with you.

Because of the interesting perspective this story offers, I can see reading it aloud in a younger classroom. After which, the students could revisit the story as the narrator themselves. It is an interesting way to author a story, and is one that I think children will respond to and should be made aware of.